FINAL SCORE
William & Mary 4 (21-9, 5-2 CAA)
Monmouth 2 (7-16, 3-4 CAA)
 
TEANECK, N.J. – A three-run home run in the top of the eighth proved to be the difference as William & Mary battled for a 4-2 win over the Monmouth University baseball team in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play Friday.
 
Joey DeMucci reached via a fielders choice in the third and came around to score on a wild pitch with two outs. Monmouth grabbed an early 1-0 advantage. 
 
William & Mary tied things up in the top of the fifth. Nate Goranson reached a via a two-out walk and came around to score on Kevin Francella's base knock. 
 
The pitchers kept both sides in check through the first seven innings of this one. Drew Helmstetter tossed the first seven innings for the Hawks and allowed just the one run on two hits while striking out eight. Nate Knowles went the first five for the Tribe and gave up one run on three hits before giving way to Mark Hindy, who went the final four and gave up one run on two hits.
 
The Tribe broke through for the lead in the top of the eighth. Two of the first three batters reached via base hits before Joe Delossantos drove off a ball over the fence in the right field corner for a three-run home run and a 4-1 lead. 
 
The Hawks attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth. James Harmstead reached via one-out walk and Austin Denlinger followed with a ringing double to center. Phil Stahl had an RBI groundout to make a 4-2 game, but the Tribe were able to get the last out to secure the win.

NOTES 
- William & Mary leads the all-time series with the Hawks, 4-1 and has won two straight. 
- Austin Denlinger has hit in back-to-back games.
- Phil Stahl has a hit in back-to-back contests and has reached base safely in seven straight games.
- Stahl now has 99 career hits for the Hawks. 
- Drew Helmstetter had his second game of the season with eight or more strikeouts. 
- Helmstetter now leads the Hawks with 37 strikeouts on the season.  

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Both teams had five base hits in the game. 
- Austin Denlinger ripped his team leading 11th double of the season. He ranks tied for seventh in the CAA for doubles this season.   
- Joey DeMucci is now tied for the team lead with eight runners caught stealing. DeMucci threw out Ben Parker in the fourth inning.
- Mark Hindy earned the win on the mound in relief. He went the final four innings and gave up one run on two hits with six strikeouts.  
- Colin Ruddy took the loss for the Hawks as he tossed the final two innings and gave up three runs on three hits.
 
NEXT UP
Monmouth and William & Mary resume their series on Saturday, Apr. 6 from the MU Baseball Field at 1 p.m.